In a tragic turn of events, a 25-year-old rape survivor identified as Precious has reportedly taken her own life after recording an emotional video detailing her ordeal. The incident occurred in Delta State, where Precious was found dead in her home in the Udu area, near Warri.
Emotional video surfaces
In the video, which has since gone viral on social media, Precious tearfully narrated how she was sexually assaulted by a man she knew. She expressed deep emotional pain and a sense of hopelessness, stating that the trauma had become unbearable. According to her family, Precious had been battling depression and anxiety following the assault.
The video was recorded just hours before her death. In it, she named her alleged attacker and pleaded for justice, saying she could no longer live with the pain. The family has since submitted the video to the police as evidence.
Family calls for justice
Speaking to journalists, a family spokesperson, who asked not to be named, said the family is devastated and demands a thorough investigation. “We want the law to take its course. Our daughter was violated, and the system failed her. We don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” the spokesperson said.
The family also revealed that Precious had reported the rape to the police weeks earlier but no arrests were made. They claim the suspect is still at large, and the lack of progress in the case contributed to her despair.
Police confirm investigation
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, said the command has launched an investigation into both the alleged rape and Precious’s death. “We are taking this matter seriously. The video is in our possession, and we are working to apprehend the suspect,” Edafe stated.
However, the police have not yet made any arrests. The family has urged the public to pressure authorities to ensure justice is served.
Community in shock
The news of Precious’s death has sent shockwaves through the community. Neighbors described her as a vibrant young woman who had been struggling to cope after the assault. A neighbor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “She was always quiet after the incident. We tried to support her, but she seemed to be in a dark place.”
Local women’s rights groups have also condemned the incident, calling for better support systems for rape survivors. In a statement, the group Stand To End Rape (STER) said, “This tragedy highlights the urgent need for mental health services and timely justice for survivors of sexual violence.”
Mental health concerns
Experts have weighed in on the case, emphasizing the importance of mental health support for survivors. Dr. Chidi Okafor, a psychologist based in Lagos, said, “Survivors of sexual assault often experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Without proper intervention, the risk of self-harm increases significantly.”
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the prevalence of rape in Nigeria and the challenges survivors face in seeking justice. According to a 2020 report by the National Bureau of Statistics, at least one in four women in Nigeria has experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. However, many cases go unreported due to stigma and lack of trust in the justice system.
Call for action
Human rights lawyers have called on the Delta State government to ensure a swift and transparent investigation. Barrister Efe Omoregbe, a human rights activist, said, “This is a clear case of systemic failure. The police must be held accountable for not acting on her initial report. We demand justice for Precious and for all survivors.”
As the family prepares for her burial, they have vowed to continue the fight for justice. “We will not let her death be in vain. We want her attacker brought to justice, and we want the system to change so that no other family has to go through this pain,” the family spokesperson added.
